Netball: Northern Thunder win lifts them from the bottom

December 3, 2024

Northern Thunder defeated Celtic Dragons on Monday in Cardiff 30-41 in what was a scrappy match from both sides.

The game was vital for both teams, as the winner was to lift themselves from the bottom of The Co-operative Netball Superleague table.

A low scoring first quarter set the tone for the match. It wasn’t until three minutes from the first whistle that the first goal was scored. Lots of turnovers, missed timing of leads, missed attempts at goal and hesitation in attack resulted in the low score at the first break. Northern Thunder was up by three goals, 5-8.

Charlotte Beenham entered the game in 2^nd quarter at GA for Thunder. A few unforced errors from both sides continued this quarter. While Celtic Dragons dominated possession it was Northern Thunder who stole the quarter by two goals, and was ahead at half time by 5 goals, 16-21.

The third and fourth quarters continued with no team showing fire to win. Patches of brilliance in attack from Northern Thunder gave the crowd glimpses of great potential. C for Celtic Dragons Stephanie Essex was sound in mid-court, holding the fort for her team when they patiently found their shooters.

Captain and GK for Celtic Dragons, Sara Hale, was a stand out defender for her side sending the ball up continuously to her attack end with hope to score. Northern Thunder led at three-quarter time 23-31, and won by 11 goals 30-41 at full time.

Northern Thunder coach Mike Greenwood said after the game, “I don’t think we played very well, it was the worst we played. I was disappointed with how we played, but we got a result and that’s good.”

Celtic Dragons Coach Sue Gaudion reiterated when she said, “Both teams made similar errors, the shooting needs to improve and we need to learn critical timing and get into a good position to take a shot (at goal). It was two teams with skills to work on.”

Louise Hudson, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine

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